Family, friends, and loved ones gathered at Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Thursday, Dec. 15, to recognize and honor College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Practical Nursing (PN) program’s fourth cohort. The seven PN students celebrated the end and graduation of their program’s coursework with a traditional nurse pinning ceremony.
Pinning ceremonies are a custom steeped in history dating back to the Crusades when medals were given to those who tended to the sick and injured.
The ceremony began with a welcome from CWI Nursing Department Chair, Allison Baker, followed by opening remarks from Instructor, Joan Weddington. She shared with guests how close the seven graduates became with one another over the last year and how proud she is of them going through this program — despite how tough the last few years have been.
“In spite of a pandemic and sometimes negative attention healthcare gets, these graduates accepted the challenge and said, ‘I can make a difference,’” shared Weddington. “
PN graduate, Alicia Dorris, was nominated and chosen as class speaker. She reflected on the last 12 months, sharing about the struggles she and her classmates faced going through coursework and exams, but how they were able to persevere through the help of one another.
“Not only did we complete this program, we developed friendships and knowledge that hopefully will continue into the future,” Dorris said.
The students were then pinned by family, friends, and instructors — marking the completion of the program. Graduates are now eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).
